Axon

An axon is a long tubular process that extends from the cell body at the cone-shaped axon hillock. The cytoplasm of the axon is called an axoplasm, while their cell membrane is called an axolemma. Usually, a bundle of axons forms a nerve fiber. Axons can be myelinated or unmyelinated. The myelin sheath around the axon is created by glial cells. This sheath does not cover the axon completely; it has periodic gaps called "Nodes of Ranvier." These nodes allow saltatory conduction of the signal.

Therefore, myelinated axons are usually faster at conducting signals.

A neuron usually has one axon, and these cytoplasmic processes are generally longer than dendrites. Naturally, their length depends on a function of that specific neuron; some are as short as one millimeter, while the longest axon in our body can reach around one meter in length! This axon is found in the sciatic nerve, which connects your big toes to the base of your spine.

Axons often have branched ends, called telodendria. The axon terminals are button-shaped endings of these branched parts that synapse with the dendrites or cell body of another neuron, muscle cell, or glandular cell.